Information processing apparatus and information processing method that allows printing using a hot folder

ABSTRACT

This invention enables to change the settings of each hot folder when the configuration of a printer has changed. In order to achieve the object, this invention provides a client for transmitting electronic data to a printer via a hot folder which sets attribute information. The client includes an unit which detects a change in processing contents executable by the printer, an unit which holds information about an operation of the client upon detection in association with the hot folder, an unit which determines whether the printer can execute output processing complying with the attribute information by comparing the changed processing contents with the attribute information set in the hot folder, and an unit which controls the operation of the client based on the information about the operation held in association with the hot folder which sets the attribute information determined not to allow the execution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus andan information processing method and, more particularly, to aninformation processing technique in an information processing apparatushaving a hot folder function.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, a user who wants to transmit electronic data to an imageforming apparatus and print it generally activates a printer driver,sets, on it, various kinds of attribute information for printprocessing, and then transmits the electronic data to the image formingapparatus.

Recently, however, a “hot folder” is used to improve the operability inprint processing. The hot folder causes an image forming apparatus toexecute print processing based on preset attribute information (e.g.,Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-118095).

Using the hot folder, a user can make an image forming apparatus executedesired print processing complying with attribute information only byputting (drag & drop) electronic data (without executing variousoperations in print processing).

However, the user needs to set in advance the attribute information tobe set in the hot folder. For example, if the configuration of an imageforming apparatus of a transmission destination has changed, the usermust change the settings of all associated hot folders every time.Hence, when the image forming apparatus has changed its configuration,the hot folder imposes a heavy operation load on the user.

Additionally, when the user inputs electronic data by drag & drop, thehot folder transmits the electronic data to the image forming apparatusand causes it to execute print processing independently of whether theset attribute information matches the configuration of the image formingapparatus. For this reason, if the user fails to change the settings,the image forming apparatus executes inappropriate print processing.

To prevent this, the system may be designed to confirm at the time ofdrag & drop of electronic data whether the attribute information set inthe hot folder matches the configuration of the image forming apparatus,and if the attribute information and configuration do not match, notifythe user of it.

However, if the user must receive the notification in every drag & drop,and investigate and change attribute information that requires change,the operability of the hot folder in print processing becomes poor,resulting in inconvenience for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the aboveproblems, and has as its object to enable to change the settings of eachhot folder without deteriorating the operability for a user who uses ahot folder when the configuration of an image forming apparatus haschanged.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the presentinvention, there is provided an information processing apparatus. Thatis, an information processing apparatus which is connected to an imageforming apparatus and transmits, to the image forming apparatus,electronic data via a hot folder which sets attribute informationdefining output processing to be executed by the image formingapparatus, comprising:

a detection unit configured to detect a change in processing contentsexecutable by the image forming apparatus;

a holding unit configured to hold, in association with the hot folder,information about an operation of the information processing apparatusupon detecting the change in the processing contents;

a determination unit configured to determine whether the image formingapparatus can execute output processing complying with the attributeinformation by comparing the changed processing contents with theattribute information set in the hot folder; and

a control unit configured to control the operation of the informationprocessing apparatus on the basis of the information about the operationheld in association with the hot folder which sets the attributeinformation determined by the determination unit not to allow theexecution.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the presentinvention, there is also provided an information processing method. Thatis, an information processing method of an information processingapparatus which is connected to an image forming apparatus andtransmits, to the image forming apparatus, electronic data via a hotfolder which sets attribute information defining output processing to beexecuted by the image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of:

detecting a change in processing contents executable by the imageforming apparatus;

holding, in association with the hot folder, information about anoperation of the information processing apparatus upon detecting thechange in the processing contents;

determining whether the image forming apparatus can execute outputprocessing complying with the attribute information by comparing thechanged processing contents with the attribute information set in thehot folder; and

controlling the operation of the information processing apparatus on thebasis of the information about the operation held in association withthe hot folder which sets the attribute information determined in thedetermining step not to allow the execution.

According to the present invention, it is possible to change thesettings of each hot folder without deteriorating the operability for auser who uses a hot folder even when the configuration of an imageforming apparatus has changed.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to theattached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall arrangement of a printsystem 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration ofeach of clients (computers) 101 to 103;

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the memory map of a RAM 202;

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of the memory map of an FD 204;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration ofeach of network printers 104 and 105;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the software configuration ofeach of the clients 101 to 103 in the print system 100;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the module configurationof a print control program 303;

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a hot folder setting window;

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of an attribute change window;

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an attribute information listdisplay window;

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a network printer list displaywindow;

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a hot folder management table;

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of an attribute informationmanagement table;

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a network printer configurationinformation table;

FIG. 15A is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of processing of theprint control program 303 in a client;

FIG. 15B is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of processing of theprint control program 303 in a client;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed sequence of searchprocessing;

FIG. 17 is a view showing the icon display of a folder in a normalstate;

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of the icon display of a folderwhich is displayed by a folder display change unit 707 of the printcontrol program 303 when the status input to a status storage field 1203is “print disable”;

FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of the icon display of a folderwhich is displayed by the folder display change unit 707 of the printcontrol program 303 when the status input to the status storage field1203 is “access rejected”;

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of the icon display of a folderwhich is displayed by the folder display change unit 707 of the printcontrol program 303 when the status input to the status storage field1203 is “printer unknown”;

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of the icon display of a folderwhich is displayed by the folder display change unit 707 of the printcontrol program 303 when the status input to the status storage field1203 is “job ticket unknown”;

FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of the icon display of a folderwhich is displayed by the folder display change unit 707 of the printcontrol program 303 when the status input to the status storage field1203 is “in printing”;

FIG. 23 is a view showing an example of the icon display of a folderwhich is displayed by the folder display change unit 707 of the printcontrol program 303 when the status input to the status storage field1203 is “folder unknown”;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the moduleconfiguration of a print control program 2400 according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of a hot folder setting window;

FIG. 26 is a view showing an example of a hot folder management table;

FIG. 27A is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of processing of theprint control program 2400 in a client;

FIG. 27B is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of processing of theprint control program 2400 in a client;

FIG. 28 is a view showing an example of a task tray icon; and

FIG. 29 is a view showing another example of the task tray icon.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

<1. Print System>

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall arrangement of a printsystem 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.The print system 100 includes clients (computers) 101 to 103 eachserving as an information processing apparatus, and network printers 104and 105 each serving as an image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 1.The clients 101 to 103 and network printers 104 and 105 are connected toeach other via a network 106.

Each of the clients (computers) 101 to 103 stores a print controlprogram (to be described later) in an executable state. The clients(computers) 101 to 103 have a function of managing the network printers104 and 105 included in the print system 100. The clients (computers)101 to 103 also have a function of storing files to be used in thenetwork or monitoring the use state of the network.

More specifically, the clients (computers) 101 to 103 have a function ofgenerating a print job by themselves and issuing a schedule request tothe schedulers of the network printers 104 and 105. The clients(computers) 101 to 103 also have a function of starting print jobtransfer in accordance with an instruction from the schedulers of thenetwork printers 104 and 105.

Each of the network printers 104 and 105 serves as an image formingapparatus that is a physical apparatus for receiving a print job fromthe clients (computers) 101 to 103 and analyzing and printing thereceived print job. Print processing here includes not only simpleprocessing of printing data on a printing medium such as a paper sheetand discharging the printed sheet but also various kinds of workingprocesses such as punching and stapling at the discharge of the printedmedium. That is, “print processing” is used in a sense of so-called“output processing”.

The network printers 104 and 105 include image forming apparatuses ofevery type such as a laser beam printer using electrophotography, aninkjet printer using an inkjet method, and a printer using a thermaltransfer method.

The network printers 104 and 105 have a function of receiving printrequests from the plurality of clients (computers) 101 to 103, decidingthe order of received print requests, and issuing a print instruction.The network printers 104 and 105 also have a function of monitoring thestatuses of themselves and print jobs transferred to them and notifyingthe clients (computers) 101 to 103 of an end of printing or a printprocessing state.

Communication between the apparatuses included in the print system 100can be either wired communication using an Ethernet® cable or wirelesscommunication using a radio wave or light.

<2. Hardware Configuration of Clients 101 to 103>

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration ofeach of the clients (computers) 101 to 103 shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, a CPU 200 is a control unit which reads out anapplication program, printer driver program, OS, and print controlprogram from an HD (Hard Disk) 205 and executes them. The CPU 200 alsocontrols to temporarily store, in a RAM 202, information and filesnecessary for executing the programs.

A ROM 201 is a storage medium which stores programs such as a basic I/Oprogram, and various kinds of data such as font data and template datato be used in document processing. The RAM 202 is a temporary storagemedium which functions as the main memory or work area of the CPU 200.

An FD (Floppy® Disk) drive 203 is a storage medium read unit forloading, in the computer system, a program or the like stored in an FD204 serving as a storage medium. The clients (computers) 101 to 103 mayhave another storage medium read unit in place of or in addition to theFD drive 203. Other storage medium read unit includes computer-readablestorage media of every type such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, PC card, DVD,IC memory card, MO, and memory stick.

The HD 205 is an external storage medium which functions as a massmemory and stores various kinds of programs such as an applicationprogram, printer driver program, OS, and print control program.

A keyboard 206 is an instruction input unit which is used by a user toinput a command such as a device control command to the clients 101 to103.

A display 207 is a display unit which displays, for example, a commandinput via the keyboard 206 and the statuses of the network printers 104and 105. Actually, a display instruction is input to the display 207 viathe OS running on the clients (computers) 101 to 103. The print controlprogram instructs the OS to display a resource file, therebyimplementing various user interfaces to be described later.

A system bus 208 controls the flow of data in the computer serving asthe clients (computers) 101 to 103.

An interface 209 is an input/output unit. Each of the clients 101 to 103transmits/receives data to/from another apparatus on the network 106 viathe interface 209.

<3. Memory Maps of RAM 202 and FD 204>

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the memory map of the RAM 202shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows a memory map when the print controlprogram is loaded in the RAM 202 in an executable state.

The print control program and associated data are installed from the FD204 in the HD 205 in advance and loaded from the HD 205 in the RAM 202.Alternatively, the print control program and associated data maydirectly be loaded from the HD 205 in the RAM 202 and executed. Theprint control program may be stored in the ROM 201 as a part of a memorymap and directly executed by the CPU 200. Software for implementing thesame functions as those of the above-described devices is also usable inplace of the hardware devices.

The print control program executes control to transfer print data,instruct change of a print job transmission destination, or instructchange of a print order.

An area 301 stores a basic I/O program. The basic I/O program has, forexample, an IPL (Initial Program Loading) function. When each of theclients (computers) 101 to 103 is powered on, the IPL function loads theOS from the HD 205 in the RAM 202 and starts the operation of the OS.

An area 302 stores an OS (Operating System). An area 303 stores a printcontrol program. An area 304 stores associated data. A work area 305 isused by the CPU 200 to execute various kinds of programs.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of the memory map of the FD 204shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 4, reference numeral 400 denotes datacontents of the FD 204. The FD 204 contains volume information 401representing the information of data, directory information 402, printcontrol program 403, and its associated data 404.

<4. Hardware Configuration of Network Printers 104 and 105>

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration ofeach of network printers 104 and 105.

As shown in FIG. 5, each of the network printers 104 and 105 includes anetwork print server 520 and a printer controller 519, that is, devicesthat implement two different control systems.

The network print server 520 has a network print server CPU 501. Thenetwork print server CPU 501 operates based on a control program storedin a rewritable Flash ROM 503.

More specifically, the network print server CPU 501 communicates, via anetwork controller (LANC 505) connected to a system bus 504, with theclients 101 to 103 (not shown in FIG. 5) connected to the network 106 byusing a predetermined network communication protocol. The network printserver CPU 501 generally controls print jobs transmitted from theclients 101 to 103 and executes appropriate data transfer control forthe printer controller 519 connected via an extended interfacecontroller (EXPC 507).

A RAM 502 serves as a temporary storage area such as the main memory orwork area of the network print server CPU 501.

An LED 506 serves as an indicator representing an operation state of thenetwork print server 520. More specifically, the LED 506 represents, bya blinking pattern or a color, various operation states such as anetwork communication mode (10Base, 100Base, full-duplex, orhalf-duplex) and the electrical connection state (LINK) between thenetwork controller (LANC 505) and the network 106.

An external I/O interface 522 exchanges information with an externaldevice 521.

An extended interface 517 that connects the network print server 520 tothe printer controller 519 is formed from a connector (not shown). Thisallows removing only the network print server 520 and attach the removednetwork print server 520 to another network printer having the sameconfiguration.

The printer controller 519 has a printer controller CPU 508. The printercontroller CPU 508 operates based on, for example, a control programstored in a ROM 509, or a control program and resource data (resourceinformation) stored in an external memory 510 connected via a diskcontroller (DKC 515).

More specifically, the printer controller CPU 508 generally controlsaccess to various devices connected to a system bus 511. The printercontroller CPU 508 also causes a raster controller 512 to generateoutput image information based on print data received from the networkprint server 520 connected via an extended interface controller (EXPC513) and outputs an image signal to a print engine 516.

A RAM 514 serves as the main memory or work area of the printercontroller CPU 508. The RAM 514 is designed to be able to expand thememory capacity by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (notshown).

An operation panel 518 has buttons to perform an operation of settingthe operation modes of the network printers 104 and 105 or cancelingprint data, and display unit such as a liquid crystal panel and LEDsrepresenting the operation states of the network printers 104 and 105.

The print engine 516 shown in FIG. 5 uses a known print technology. Aspreferred embodiments, for example, electrophotography (laser beammethod), inkjet method, and sublimation (thermal transfer) method areusable.

<5. Software Configuration of Clients 101 to 103>

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the software configuration ofeach of the clients 101 to 103 in the print system 100.

The OS (Operating System) 302 is loaded in the RAM 202 of the client.The print control program 303 is loaded in the RAM 202 of the client.

A printer driver 306 that manages the network printers 104 and 105 isloaded in the RAM 202 of the client.

In this embodiment, the printer driver 306 manages a network printerconfiguration information table 601 (to be described later in detail)which records the configuration information of the network printers 104and 105. The configuration information of the network printers 104 and105 indicates information (process contents) related to print processingexecutable by the network printers and contains, for example, a papersize and a printing method.

The printer driver 306 can acquire the configuration information of thenetwork printer 104 or 105 via the operating system 302, interface 209,and network 106. The printer driver 306 can also update the networkprinter configuration information table 601 under control.

Upon updating the network printer configuration information table 601,the printer driver 306 notifies the print control program 303 of theupdate.

On the other hand, the print control program 303 manages, in a hotfolder management table 602, information about hot folders set via theprint control program 303. The print control program 303 also manages,in an attribute information management table 603, attribute informationdescribed in job tickets associated with the set hot folders. Attributeinformation here indicates information that defines print processing tobe executed by a client, and more specifically, information thatdefines, for example, the size of paper to be printed and a printingmethod.

As described above, in this embodiment, it is determined using theprinter driver 306 whether a network printer set as a hot foldertransmission destination can appropriately execute print processingcomplying with attribute information described in a job ticket.

However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, theprint control program 303 may manage the network printer configurationinformation table and determine whether a network printer set as atransmission destination can appropriately execute print processingcomplying with attribute information described in a job ticket.Alternatively, the determination may be done using a system without theprinter driver 306.

The above-described job ticket indicates a file that describes attributeinformation related to print processing to be executed by a networkprinter. The job ticket is held in association with a set hot folder.

<6. Module Configuration of Print Control Program 303>

The module configuration of the print control program 303 according tothe first embodiment of the present invention will be described next.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the module configurationof the print control program 303.

An output information setting unit 701 has a function of setting, in ahot folder, for example, a folder name on the file system of theoperating system 302, information about a transmission destination, ajob ticket name to be associated, and operation contents in a printprocessing disable state.

In setting a hot folder, a display unit 705 displays, via the operatingsystem 302, a setting window (“hot folder setting window” to bedescribed later in detail with reference to FIG. 8) on the display 207to set a hot folder. The display unit 705 also displays a setting window(“attribute change window” to be described later in detail withreference to FIG. 9) to set attribute information to be described in ajob ticket associated with the hot folder.

A monitoring unit 702 has a function of monitoring hot folders to detectelectronic data put in a folder set as a hot folder by the outputinformation setting unit 701.

In monitoring hot folders, that new electronic data has been put isdetected by periodically confirming a file list in a hot folder.Alternatively, monitoring may be done by detecting an event that takesplace at the time of putting electronic data. Electronic data put in ahot folder indicates print data to be printed by the network printer 104or 105 and, for example, document data created by, for example, adocument creation application.

A printer configuration change detection unit 703 has a function ofdetecting that the configuration of the network printer 104 or 105 haschanged due to connection or disconnection of an optional device.

To detect a change in the configuration of the network printer 104 or105, configuration information is acquired from the network printer 104or 105 at a predetermined interval. Alternatively, a configurationchange notification from the network printer 104 or 105 may be detected.An event notification that is sent when the printer driver 306 hasacquired network printer configuration information may be detected.

An output determination unit 704 has a function of determining whetherthe network printer 104 or 105 set as a transmission destination in ahot folder can appropriately execute print processing complying withattribute information described in a job ticket.

Whether print processing is executable or not is determined by, forexample, comparing the configuration information of the network printer104 or 105 with the attribute information described in the job ticket.Alternatively, the printer driver 306 may be caused to determine bysetting, in the printer driver 306, the attribute information describedin the job ticket. Any other method is usable for the determination.

If the output determination unit 704 determines that print processing isnot executable, attribute information that does not allow execution canbe displayed in, for example, an attribute information list displaywindow (to be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 10). Itis also possible to display another network printer capable of executingprint processing in a “network printer list display window” (to bedescribed later in detail with reference to FIG. 11).

The display unit 705 has a function of displaying a user interface ofthe print control program 303 on the display 207 via the operatingsystem 302. Examples of the user interface are the above-described hotfolder setting window, attribute change window, attribute informationlist display window, and network printer list display window.

An output unit 706 has a function of transmitting a job ticket to thenetwork printer 104 or 105 via the interface 209 and causing the networkprinter to execute print processing.

A folder display change unit 707 has a function of changing the displayform, on the file system of the operating system 302, of the icon of afolder set as a hot folder.

A hot folder management unit 708 has a function of managing informationrelated to a hot folder, which is set by the output information settingunit 701, by using the hot folder management table 602 (to be describedlater in detail with reference to FIG. 12). The hot folder managementunit 708 also has a function of managing attribute information describedin a job ticket associated with the hot folder by using the attributeinformation management table 603 (to be described later in detail withreference to FIG. 9).

<7. User Interface of Print Control Program>

Examples of the user interface displayed on the display 207 by thedisplay unit 705 of the print control program 303 will be describednext.

<7.1 Hot Folder Setting Window>

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a hot folder setting window.

A folder path input field 801 sets a folder path to designate a folderon the operating system 302.

A hot folder name input field 802 sets the name of a hot folder to beused on the print control program 303.

A printer name input field 803 is used to select a network printer of atransmission destination. The network printer displayed in the printername input field 803 can be either a network printer registered in theoperating system 302 or a network printer registered by another system.The printer name input field 803 may be designed to add a new networkprinter.

A job ticket input field 804 sets a job ticket name. The user candesignate a job ticket on the file system of the operating system 302 bypressing a browse button 805. This associates the job ticket with thehot folder.

An attribute information change button 806 displays a user interface(attribute change window) to set attribute information to be describedin the job ticket.

The user selects a radio button in a selection area 807. Each radiobutton defines an operation to be performed in the client when thenetwork printer has become unable to appropriately execute printprocessing complying with the attribute information described in the jobticket due to a change in the network printer configuration information.

A radio button 808 sets not to change the attribute informationdescribed in the job ticket associated with the hot folder even when thenetwork printer has become unable to execute print processing complyingwith the attribute information.

A radio button 809 sets to exclude the hot folder from the monitoringtargets of the monitoring unit 702 and stop print job transmission fromthe hot folder when the network printer has become unable to executeprint processing complying with the attribute information.

A radio button 810 sets to display, on the display 207, attributeinformation that does not allow processing by the network printer whenthe network printer has become unable to execute print processingcomplying with the attribute information.

A radio button 811 sets to automatically change the attributeinformation to allow the network printer 104 or 105 to execute printprocessing when the network printer has become unable to execute printprocessing complying with the attribute information.

A radio button 812 sets to display, on the display 207, a networkprinter capable of executing print processing complying with theattribute information described in the job ticket when the designatednetwork printer has become unable to execute print processing complyingwith the attribute information. This display is done in the “networkprinter list display window”.

A radio button 813 sets to automatically change the transmissiondestination to a network printer capable of executing print processingcomplying with the attribute information described in the job ticketwhen the designated network printer has become unable to execute printprocessing complying with the attribute information.

An OK button 814 determines the settings of the hot folder. If thenetwork printer input to the printer name input field 803 cannot executeprocessing complying with the attribute information described in the jobticket set in the job ticket input field 804, pressing the OK button 814may be inhibited. Alternatively, after the user presses the OK button814, attribute information that does not allow processing may bedisplayed to prompt the user to change it.

A button 815 cancels hot folder settings.

<7.2 Attribute Change Window>

FIG. 9 shows an example of an attribute change window invoked uponpressing the attribute information change button 806.

A copy count input field 901 designates the number of printed copies ofelectronic data. A page range input field 902 designates the range ofpages to be printed of the print target electronic data.

A paper size input field 903 designates the size of paper sheets to beused for printing of the electronic data.

In a printing method input field 904, the user selects and inputs one ofprinting methods such as single-sided printing, double-sided printing,saddle stitch printing, and case binding printing.

A punch check box 905 is used to set whether to punch the printed papersheets.

An OK button 906 determines the settings of the attribute information.When the user presses the OK button 906, the attribute informationdescribed in the job ticket set in the job ticket input field 804 isupdated.

A cancel button 907 cancels attribute information settings.

<7.3 Attribute Information List Display Window>

A user interface displayed when, during hot folder monitoring, thenetwork printer cannot execute print processing complying with theattribute information described in the job ticket due to a change in theconfiguration information will be described next.

When the network printer has become unable to execute print processingcomplying with the attribute information, and the above-described radiobutton 810 in the selection area 807 has a check mark, the print controlprogram 303 displays an attribute information list display window on thedisplay 207 via the display unit 705.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the attribute information list displaywindow which displays attribute information that does not allow printprocessing by the network printer.

A set item display field 1001 displays the set items of attributeinformation, which do not allow print processing. A set value displayfield 1002 displays the set values of attribute information described ina job ticket in correspondence with the set items which do not allowexecution of print processing.

Reference numeral 1003 denotes a setting change button. When the userpresses the setting change button 1003, the attribute change windowshown in FIG. 9 is displayed.

Reference numeral 1004 denotes a cancel button. When the user pressesthe cancel button 1004, the attribute information list display window isclosed. Upon closing the attribute information list display window, thehot folder monitoring and the function of transmitting a print job fromthe hot folder to the network printer may be stopped. Alternatively, thehot folder setting window shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed.

<7.4 Network Printer List Display Window>

Another user interface displayed when, during hot folder monitoring, thenetwork printer has become unable to execute print processing complyingwith the attribute information described in the job ticket due to achange in the configuration information will be described next.

When the network printer has become unable to execute print processingcomplying with the attribute information, and the above-described radiobutton 812 in the selection area 807 has a check mark, the print controlprogram 303 displays a network printer list display window on thedisplay 207.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the network printer list display window. Alist display field 1101 displays the names of network printers capableof executing print processing complying with the attribute informationdescribed in the job ticket set in the hot folder.

Reference numeral 1102 denotes an OK button. When the user presses theOK button 1102, the hot folder transmission destination changes to aselected one of the network printers displayed in the list display field1101.

Reference numeral 1103 denotes a cancel button. When the user pressesthe cancel button 1103, the network printer list display window isclosed.

Upon closing the network printer list display window that displaysnetwork printers capable of executing print processing, the hot foldermonitoring and the function of transmitting a print job from the hotfolder to the network printer may be stopped. Alternatively, the hotfolder setting window shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed.

<8. Explanation of Various Tables>

<8.1 Hot Folder Management Table>

The hot folder management table 602 which manages hot folders set viathe hot folder setting window (FIG. 8) will be described next.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of the hot folder management table602. Referring to FIG. 12, a hot folder name storage field 1201 holdshot folder names set in the hot folder name input field 802.

A printer name storage field 1202 holds network printer names input tothe printer name input field 803 in association with the hot foldernames.

A status storage field 1203 holds information about the current statusesof the hot folders. In this embodiment, “normal” is input to the statusstorage field 1203 for a hot folder without any particular abnormality.

If a network printer set in a hot folder cannot appropriately executeprint processing complying with attribute information described in a jobticket associated with the hot folder, “print disable” is input to thestatus storage field 1203.

If the user who has logged in to the operating system 302 has no accessauthority to a folder set as a hot folder, “access rejected” is input tothe status storage field 1203. If the configuration information of anetwork printer set in the printer name input field 803 cannot beacquired, “printer unknown” is input to the status storage field 1203.

If a file corresponding to the job ticket set in the job ticket inputfield 804 is not found or is broken, or the contents of the job ticketlack necessary information, “job ticket unknown” is input to the statusstorage field 1203.

If electronic data and a job ticket put in the hot folder are beingtransferred as a print job to a network printer set as a transmissiondestination in the hot folder, “in printing” is input to the statusstorage field 1203. When the network printer is processing the printjob, “in printing” is input to the status storage field 1203 as well.

If a folder set as a hot folder is not found because, for example, itwas deleted from the file system of the operating system, “folderunknown” is input to the status storage field 1203.

A folder path storage field 1204 holds folder paths on the file systemof the operating system, which are designated in the folder path inputfield 801.

A job ticket name storage field 1205 holds job ticket names input to thejob ticket input field 804.

Reference numeral 1206 denotes an operation storage field. The operationstorage field 1206 holds operations which are selected in the selectionarea 807 and should be performed when a network printer has becomeunable to execute print processing complying with attribute informationdescribed in job tickets due to a change in the network printerconfiguration information.

The hot folder management table may be held on a memory of a client orsaved in a file. The hot folder management table may be held using, forexample, a database or any other unit.

<8.2 Attribute Information Management Table>

The attribute information management table 603 which manages attributeinformation set via the attribute change window (FIG. 9) will bedescribed next. FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of the attributeinformation management table 603.

Fields 1301, 1303, 1305, 1307, and 1309 manage the set items ofattribute information.

Information about the number of printed copies set in the copy countinput field 901 is input to a field 1302. In this embodiment, “10copies” is set.

Information about a page range of printing set in the page range inputfield 902 is input to a field 1304. In this embodiment, setting is doneto print “pages 1-10”.

Information about a paper size set in the paper size input field 903 isinput to a field 1306. In this embodiment, “A4” is set.

Information about a printing method set in the printing method inputfield 904 is input to a field 1308. In this embodiment, setting is doneto execute “double-sided printing”.

Information representing whether to punch paper sheets, which is set inthe punch check box 905, is input to a field 1310. In this embodiment,“punch” (ON) is set.

<8.3 Network Printer Configuration Information Table>

The network printer configuration information table 601 managed by theprinter driver 306 will be described next. FIG. 14 is a view showing anexample of the network printer configuration information table 601.

The item names of network printer configuration information are input tofields 1401, 1403, and 1405.

Network printer configuration information about paper sizes is input toa field 1402. Paper sizes usable for print processing by the networkprinter are listed. In this embodiment, A3, A4, B4, and B5 are usable.

Network printer configuration information about printing methods isinput to a field 1404. Printing methods usable for print processing bythe network printer are listed. In this embodiment, single-sidedprinting and double-sided printing are usable.

Information representing whether the network printer can punch papersheets is input to a field 1406. In this embodiment, the network printercannot punch paper sheets.

<9. Sequence (Overall Sequence) of Processing in Client>

The sequence of processing of the print control program 303 in a clientwhen network printer configuration information has changed will bedescribed next.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are flowcharts illustrating the sequence of processingof the print control program 303 in a client.

When the printer driver 306 notifies the print control program 303 thatnetwork printer configuration information has changed, the printerconfiguration change detection unit 703 detects it in step S1501. Thistriggers off the following processing.

Note that the printer driver 306 can update network printerconfiguration information in the network printer configurationinformation table 601 at any timing. For example, a configurationinformation update button is arranged on a network printer propertywindow displayed by the printer driver 306 to update the network printerconfiguration information at a timing designated by the user.Alternatively, the network printer configuration information may beupdated periodically.

Note that regarding the notification from the printer driver 306 to theprint control program 303, the print control program 303 as thenotification target is registered in advance in the printer driver 306.When the network printer configuration information is updated, theprinter driver 306 notifies the registered print control program of it.

For the notification, either the message function or named pipe functionof the operating system 302 or interprocess communication using a callback function is usable. Alternatively, the notification may be sentusing a network communication function or any other method.

In step S1502, the hot folder management unit 708 of the print controlprogram 303 selects one of hot folders managed in the hot foldermanagement table 602 (FIG. 12). Processing for the selected hot folderis performed from then on.

In step S1503, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 determines operation contents to be performed when thenetwork printer has become unable to execute print processing complyingwith attribute information described in the job ticket. Morespecifically, the output determination unit 704 checks the radio button808 in the selection area 807 and determines whether the operationcontents input to the operation storage field 1206 of the hot foldermanagement table 602 (FIG. 12) represent “no change”.

If the operation contents input to the operation storage field 1206represent “no change”, the process advances to step S1519. If theoperation contents input to the operation storage field 1206 representprocessing other than “no change”, the process advances to step S1504.

In step S1504, the hot folder management unit 708 of the print controlprogram 303 recognizes a network printer corresponding to the hotfolder. More specifically, the hot folder management unit 708 acquires aprinter name input to the printer name input field 803 and held in theprinter name storage field 1202 of the hot folder management table 602.

In step S1505, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 determines whether the printer name acquired in step S1504matches the printer name received in step S1501. If the printer names donot match, the process advances to step S1519. If the printer namesmatch, the process advances to step S1506.

In step S1506, the hot folder management unit 708 of the print controlprogram 303 refers to the job ticket name storage field 1205 of the hotfolder management table 602 (FIG. 12). The hot folder management unit708 reads out attribute information described in the job ticket in thejob ticket name storage field 1205.

In step S1507, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 selects one of the set items of the readout attributeinformation. Processing for the selected set item is performed from thenon.

In step S1508, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 compares the network printer configuration informationreceived in step S1501 with the attribute information read out in stepS1506 in association with the selected set item. The outputdetermination unit 704 thus determines whether the readout attributeinformation allows print processing by the network printer.

If it is determined in step S1508 that the network printer can executeprint processing, the process advances to step S1509. In step S1509, theoutput determination unit 704 of the print control program 303determines whether all set items of the attribute information describedin the job ticket have undergone the investigation about the possibilityof printing. If it is determined in step S1509 that not all set itemshave been investigated, the process returns to step S1507 to investigatethe remaining set items. If it is determined that all set items havebeen investigated, the process advances to step S1519.

If it is determined in step S1508 that the network printer cannotexecute print processing, the process advances to step S1510.

In step S1510, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 determines operation contents to be performed when thenetwork printer has become unable to execute print processing complyingwith the attribute information described in the job ticket. Morespecifically, the output determination unit 704 checks one of the radiobuttons 809 to 813 except the radio button 808 in the selection area 807and determines the operation contents stored in the operation storagefield 1206 of the hot folder management table 602 (FIG. 12).

If, in step S1510, the output determination unit 704 checks the radiobutton 810 in the selection area 807 and determines that “displayprinting attribute list” is input to the operation storage field 1206,the process advances to step S1511.

In step S1511, the display unit 705 of the print control program 303displays the attribute information list display window (FIG. 10). Indisplaying the attribute information list display window (FIG. 10), itmay be checked whether all set items of the attribute informationdescribed in the job ticket allow print processing by the networkprinter, and set items that do not allow print processing may bedisplayed.

If, in step S1510, the output determination unit 704 checks the radiobutton 811 in the selection area 807 and determines that “automaticallychange printing attribute” is input to the operation storage field 1206,the process advances to step S1512.

In step S1512, the output determination unit 704 changes the attributeinformation (set item 1001 and set value 1002) described in the jobticket set in the hot folder to attribute information which allows printprocessing by the network printer.

If, in step S1510, the output determination unit 704 checks the radiobutton 809 in the selection area 807 and determines that “stop hotfolder” is input to the operation storage field 1206, the processadvances to step S1513.

In step S1513, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 excludes the hot folder from the monitoring targets of themonitoring unit 702. The output determination unit 704 also stops thefunction of causing the output unit 706 to transmit the print job fromthe hot folder to the network printer.

In step S1514, the folder display change unit 707 of the print controlprogram 303 changes the icon display of the folder on the file system ofthe operating system 302.

Changing the icon display of the folder on the file system of theoperating system can be implemented by, for example, placing a specialsetting file in the folder. However, the change method is not limited tothis. The icon display of the folder on the file system of the operatingsystem can be changed by any other method.

Changing the icon display of the folder on the operating system can beimplemented by, for example, placing, in the folder, a file such as anini file related to folder setting information. However, the changemethod is not limited to this. The change of the icon display of thefolder may be instructed by changing the setting information of theoperating system or by any other change method.

If, in step S1510, the output determination unit 704 checks the radiobutton 812 in the selection area 807 and determines that “displayprinter list” is input to the operation storage field 1206, the processadvances to step S1515.

In step S1515, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 searches for a network printer capable of processing all setitems of the attribute information described in the job ticket. Thesearch processing in step S1515 will be described later in detail.

In step S1516, the result of search processing in step S1515 isdisplayed as the network printer list display window (FIG. 11) thatdisplays network printers capable of printing.

If, in step S1510, the output determination unit 704 checks the radiobutton 813 in the selection area 807 and determines that “automaticallychange printer” is input to the operation storage field 1206, theprocess advances to step S1517.

In step S1517, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 searches for a network printer capable of processing all setitems of the attribute information described in the job ticket.

In step S1518, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 selects one of the network printers capable of processingall set items of the attribute information and changes the hot foldertransmission destination to the selected network printer.

The selected network printer may be either the first network printerfound by the network printer search processing or a network printercapable of executing print processing earliest. The network printer canbe selected by any other method.

If no network printer capable of processing all set items of theattribute information is found at all by the search processing in stepS1517, the processing in steps S1513 and S1514 may be executed.Alternatively, the processing in step S1511 or S1512 may be executed.

In step S1519, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 determines whether all hot folders registered in the hotfolder management table 602 have been investigated. If it is determinedin step S1519 that not all hot folders have been investigated, theprocess returns to step S1502.

If it is determined in step S1519 that all hot folders have beeninvestigated, the print control program 303 finishes the processing.

As described above, when the print control program 303 of thisembodiment is executed, a change in the network printer configurationinformation is detected. Upon detecting a change, it is determinedwhether a network printer set as a transmission destination can executeprint processing complying with attribute information described in a jobticket set in a hot folder. If it is determined that print processing isnot executable, the transmission function is disabled. This preventsprinting errors.

If it is determined that print processing is not executable, monitoringof the hot folder is stopped, and the icon display of the folder on theoperating system is changed. This allows the user to recognize that itis not possible to obtain a desired printing result.

If it is determined that print processing is not executable, theattribute information described in the job ticket is displayed to promptthe user to change it. This allows changing the settings of the jobticket in advance.

If it is determined that print processing is not executable, of the setitems of attribute information described in the job ticket, set itemswhich do not allow print processing by the network printer areautomatically changed to those which allow print processing by thenetwork printer. This saves the user the trouble of changing theattribute information.

If it is determined that print processing is not executable, networkprinters capable of obtaining a normal printing result using the jobticket are listed to allow the user to select a network printer as thetransmission destination. This enables the user to recognize the networkprinters capable of obtaining a desired printing result.

If it is determined that print processing is not executable, the networkprinter of the transmission destination is automatically changed to anetwork printer capable of obtaining a normal printing result using thejob ticket. This saves the user the trouble of setting the networkprinter of the transmission destination.

<10. Sequence of Processing (Search Processing) in Client>

The search processing in step S1515 or S1517 in FIG. 15B will bedescribed next in detail. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating thedetailed sequence of search processing.

In step S1601, the hot folder management unit 708 of the print controlprogram 303 reads out attribute information described in the job ticketassociated with the target hot folder.

In step S1602, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 initializes the list that manages network printers capableof processing the job ticket.

In step S1603, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 selects one of the network printers managed by the operatingsystem or another system. The output determination unit 704 acquires theconfiguration information of the selected network printer from theprinter driver 306.

In step S1604, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 selects one of the set items of the attribute informationread out in step S1601. The output determination unit 704 compares theattribute information read out in step S1601 with the network printerconfiguration information acquired in step S1603 in association with theselected set item.

In step S1605, the output determination unit 704 determines based on thecomparison result in step S1604 whether the selected network printer canexecute print processing complying with the attribute information.

If it is determined in step S1605 that the selected network printercannot execute print processing complying with the attributeinformation, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 advances to step S1608.

If it is determined in step S1605 that the selected network printer canexecute print processing complying with the attribute information, theoutput determination unit 704 of the print control program 303 advancesto step S1606.

In step S1606, the output determination unit 704 determines whether allset items of the attribute information described in the job ticket haveundergone the investigation about the possibility of printing by theselected network printer.

If it is determined in step S1606 that not all set items of theattribute information described in the job ticket have beeninvestigated, the process returns to step S1604.

If it is determined in step S1606 that all set items of the attributeinformation described in the job ticket have been investigated, theprocess advances to step S1607. In step S1607, the output determinationunit 704 of the print control program 303 adds the selected networkprinter to the list that manages printers capable of printing.

In step S1608, the output determination unit 704 of the print controlprogram 303 determines whether all managed network printers have beenchecked.

If the output determination unit 704 of the print control program 303determines in step S1608 that not all managed network printers have beenchecked, the process returns to step S1603.

If the output determination unit 704 of the print control program 303determines in step S1608 that all managed network printers have beenchecked, the process is ended.

The list generated at the end of search processing is used to displaythe network printer list display window.

In this embodiment, whether a printer can process all set items of theattribute information is determined for all network printers. However,the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when anetwork printer capable of processing all set items of the attributeinformation is found, the network printer search processing may bestopped, and only the found network printer may be added to the list.

<11. Icon of Hot Folder>

Changes of the icon of a hot folder will be described. In thisembodiment, the icon of a hot folder is designed to change in accordancewith a status input to the status storage field 1203 of the hot foldermanagement table 602 (FIG. 12). The change forms of the icon of a hotfolder according to a status input to the status storage field 1203 willbe described below with reference to FIGS. 17 to 23.

FIG. 17 is a view showing the icon display of a folder on the filesystem of the operating system and, more specifically, the icon displayof a folder in a normal state.

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of the icon display which isdisplayed by the folder display change unit 707 of the print controlprogram 303 when the status input to the status storage field 1203 is“print disable”. The icon in FIG. 18 is displayed in step S1514.

FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of the icon display of a folderwhich is displayed by the folder display change unit 707 of the printcontrol program 303 when the status input to the status storage field1203 is “access rejected”.

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of the icon display of a folderwhich is displayed by the folder display change unit 707 of the printcontrol program 303 when the status input to the status storage field1203 is “printer unknown”.

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of the icon display of a folderwhich is displayed by the folder display change unit 707 of the printcontrol program 303 when the status input to the status storage field1203 is “job ticket unknown”.

FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of the icon display of a folderwhich is displayed by the folder display change unit 707 of the printcontrol program 303 when the status input to the status storage field1203 is “in printing”.

FIG. 23 is a view showing an example of the icon display of a folderwhich is displayed by the folder display change unit 707 of the printcontrol program 303 when the status input to the status storage field1203 is “folder unknown”.

When the icon of a hot folder is designed to change in this way inaccordance with a status input to the status storage field 1203 of thehot folder management table 602 (FIG. 12), the user can grasp the statusof the hot folder just by looking at the icon display.

As is apparent from the above description, the client of this embodimenthas the function of detecting a change in the network printerconfiguration information. If it is determined that it has becomeimpossible to execute print processing complying with attributeinformation described in a job ticket associated with a hot folder, theclient notifies the user of it. This prevents printing errors by theuser.

The client of this embodiment also has the function of searching for anetwork printer capable of executing print processing and notifying theuser of it if it has become impossible to execute print processingcomplying with attribute information described in a job ticket. Theclient also has the function of automatically changing the transmissiondestination setting to the network printer found by the search.

The client of this embodiment also has the function of notifying theuser to attribute information which impedes execution of printprocessing if it has become impossible to execute print processingcomplying with attribute information described in a job ticketassociated with a hot folder. The client also has the function ofchanging the attribute information to attribute information that allowsexecution of print processing.

This makes it possible to reduce the operation load on the user inchanging the settings of a hot folder when network printer configurationinformation has changed. This also prevents the operability in use of ahot folder from becoming poor.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, a network printer is used for print processingof electronic data. However, the image forming apparatus for executingprint processing is not limited to a network printer. Any other imageforming apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus or display is usable.

In the first embodiment, when the printer driver 306 has updated networkprinter configuration information, it is determined whether the networkprinter can execute print processing complying with attributeinformation described in a job ticket.

However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, aprint control program 303 may periodically acquire network printerconfiguration information held by a printer driver 306 at any timingexcept when the printer driver 306 has updated the network printerconfiguration information.

The print control program 303 may be registered in advance in thenetwork printer so that the print control program 303 is directlynotified of a change in the configuration information of the networkprinter.

The print control program 303 may periodically acquire network printerconfiguration information by an unit such as an MIB (ManagementInformation Base) and determine whether the configuration informationhas changed.

In the first embodiment, six operation contents corresponding to theradio buttons 808 to 813 have been exemplified as the operation contentswhen the network printer has become unable to process a job ticket.However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, whenthe network printer has become unable to process a job ticket, the hotfolder setting window shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed to prompt theuser to change the settings of the hot folder. Alternatively, the usermay be notified by another method.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In thefirst embodiment, when the configuration information of a networkprinter has been updated, it is determined whether attribute informationdescribed in a job ticket associated with a hot folder allows printprocessing by the network printer.

In the third embodiment, when electronic data is put (drag & drop) in ahot folder, it is determined whether attribute information described ina job ticket associated with the hot folder allows print processing by anetwork printer.

This enables to acquire network printer configuration information andconfirm it in real time when electronic data is put in a hot folder.This embodiment will be described below in detail. The arrangement of aprint system, the hardware configuration of a client, the memory maps ofa RAM and an FD, the hardware configuration of a network printer, andthe software configuration of a client are the same as in FIGS. 1 to 6,and a description thereof will not be repeated.

<1. Module Configuration of Print Control Program 2400>

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the moduleconfiguration of a print control program 2400 according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 24, reference numeral 2401 denotes an outputinformation setting unit. The output information setting unit 2401 has afunction of setting, in a hot folder, for example, a folder name on thefile system of an operating system 302, information about a transmissiondestination, a job ticket name to be associated, and operation contentsin a print processing disable state.

In setting a hot folder, a display unit 2404 displays, via the operatingsystem 302, a hot folder setting window on a display 207 to set a hotfolder.

A monitoring unit 2402 has a function of monitoring hot folders todetect electronic data added into a folder set as a hot folder by theoutput information setting unit 2401.

In monitoring hot folders, that new electronic data has been added isdetected by periodically confirming a file list in a hot folder.Alternatively, monitoring may be done by detecting an event that takesplace at the time of addition of electronic data.

An output determination unit 2403 has a function of determining, whenelectronic data is put in a hot folder, whether a network printer set asa transmission destination in the hot folder can execute printprocessing complying with attribute information described in a jobticket.

Whether print processing is executable or not is determined by, forexample, comparing the configuration information of the network printerwith the attribute information described in the job ticket.Alternatively, a printer driver 306 may be caused to determine bysetting, in the printer driver 306, the attribute information describedin the job ticket. Any other method is usable for the determination.

The display unit 2404 has a function of displaying a window of the printcontrol program 2400 on the display 207 via the operating system 302.

An output unit 2405 has a function of transmitting a job ticket to anetwork printer 104 or 105 via an interface 209 and causing the networkprinter to execute print processing.

A folder display change unit 2406 has a function of changing the displayform, on the file system of the operating system 302, of the icon of afolder set as a hot folder.

A hot folder management unit 2407 has a function of managing informationrelated to a hot folder, which is set by the output information settingunit 2401, by using a hot folder management table (to be described laterin detail with reference to FIG. 26).

A task tray icon display unit 2408 has a function of displaying the tasktray icon of the print control program 2400 in a task tray on a windowof the operating system 302 when the print control program 2400 isactivated.

<2. User Interface of Print Control Program>

Examples of the user interface displayed on the display 207 by thedisplay unit 2404 of the print control program 2400 will be describednext.

<2.1 Hot Folder Setting Window>

FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of a hot folder setting window.

A folder path input field 2501 sets a folder path to designate a folderon the operating system 302.

A hot folder name input field 2502 sets the name of a hot folder to beused on the print control program 2400.

A printer name input field 2503 is used to select a network printer of atransmission destination. The network printer displayed in the printername input field 2503 can be either a network printer registered in theoperating system 302 or a network printer registered by another system.The printer name input field 2503 may be designed to add a new networkprinter.

A job ticket input field 2504 sets a job ticket name. The user candesignate a job ticket on the file system of the operating system 302 bypressing a browse button 2505. This associates the job ticket with thehot folder.

An attribute information change button 2506 displays a user interface(attribute change window) to set attribute information to be describedin the job ticket.

The user makes alternative selection by a radio button in a selectionarea 2507. Each radio button defines an operation to be performed in theclient when the network printer has become unable to appropriatelyexecute print processing complying with the attribute informationdescribed in the job ticket due to a change in the network printerconfiguration information.

A radio button 2508 sets to transmit a print job including a job ticketand electronic data to a network printer even when the network printerhas become unable to execute print processing complying with theattribute information.

A radio button 2509 sets to exclude the hot folder from the monitoringtargets and stop the function of transmitting a print job from the hotfolder when the network printer has become unable to execute printprocessing complying with the attribute information.

A radio button 2510 sets to display, on the display 207, attributeinformation that does not allow processing by the network printer whenthe network printer has become unable to execute print processingcomplying with the attribute information.

A radio button 2511 sets to automatically change a set value ofattribute information to allow the network printer 104 or 105 to executeprint processing when the network printer has become unable to executeprint processing complying with the attribute information.

A radio button 2512 sets to display, on the display 207, a networkprinter capable of executing print processing complying with theattribute information described in the job ticket when the designatednetwork printer has become unable to execute print processing complyingwith the attribute information.

A radio button 2513 sets to automatically change the transmissiondestination to a network printer capable of executing printing complyingwith the attribute information described in the job ticket when thedesignated network printer has become unable to execute print processingcomplying with the attribute information.

An OK button 2514 determines the settings of the hot folder. If thenetwork printer input to the printer name input field 2503 cannotexecute processing complying with the attribute information described inthe job ticket set in the job ticket input field 2504, pressing the OKbutton 2514 may be inhibited. Alternatively, after the user presses theOK button 2514, attribute information that does not allow processing maybe displayed to prompt the user to change it.

A button 2515 cancels hot folder settings.

<2.2 Other Windows>

An attribute change window upon pressing the attribute informationchange button 2506 is the same as in FIG. 9, and a description thereofwill not be repeated.

An attribute information list display window displayed when it isdetermined upon putting electronic data that print processing complyingwith the attribute information described in the job ticket cannot beexecuted because of a change in the network printer configurationinformation is also the same as in FIG. 10, and a description thereofwill not be repeated.

A network printer list display window displayed when it is determinedupon putting electronic data that print processing complying with theattribute information described in the job ticket cannot be executedbecause of a change in the network printer configuration information isalso the same as in FIG. 11, and a description thereof will not berepeated.

<3. Explanation of Various Tables>

<3.1 Hot Folder Management Table>

The hot folder management table 2600 which manages hot folders set viathe hot folder setting window (FIG. 25) will be described next.

FIG. 26 is a view showing an example of the hot folder management table2600. Referring to FIG. 26, a hot folder name storage field 2601 holdshot folder names set in the hot folder name input field 2502.

A printer name storage field 2602 holds network printer names input tothe printer name input field 2503 in association with the hot foldernames.

A status storage field 2603 holds information about the current statusesof the hot folders. In this embodiment, “normal” is input to the statusstorage field 2603 for a hot folder without any particular abnormality.

If a network printer set in a hot folder cannot appropriately executeprint processing complying with attribute information described in a jobticket associated with the hot folder, “print disable” is input to thestatus storage field 2603.

If the user who has logged in to the operating system 302 has no accessauthorization to a folder set as a hot folder, “access rejected” isinput to the status storage field 2603. If the configuration informationof a network printer set in the printer name input field 2503 cannot beacquired, “printer unknown” is input to the status storage field 2603.

If a file corresponding to the job ticket set in the job ticket inputfield 2504 is not found or is broken, or the contents of the job ticketlack necessary information, “job ticket unknown” is input to the statusstorage field 2603.

If electronic data and a job ticket put in the hot folder are beingtransferred as a print job to a network printer set as a transmissiondestination in the hot folder, “in printing” is input to the statusstorage field 2603. When the network printer is processing the printjob, “in printing” is input to the status storage field 2603 as well.

If a folder set as a hot folder is not found because, for example, itwas deleted from the file system of the operating system, “folderunknown” is input to the status storage field 2603.

A folder path storage field 2604 holds folder paths on the file systemof the operating system, which are designated in the folder path inputfield 2501.

A job ticket name storage field 2605 holds job ticket names input to thejob ticket input field 2504.

Reference numeral 2606 denotes an operation storage field. The operationstorage field 2606 holds operation contents which are selected in theselection area 2507 and should be performed when a network printer hasbecome unable to execute print processing complying with attributeinformation described in job tickets due to a change in the networkprinter configuration information.

The hot folder management table may be held in a memory of a client orsaved in a file. The hot folder management table may be held using, forexample, a database or any other unit.

<3.2 Other Tables>

The attribute information management table and network printerconfiguration information table are the same as in FIGS. 13 and 14, anda description thereof will not be repeated.

<4. Sequence (Overall Sequence) of Processing in Client>

The sequence of processing of the print control program 2400 in a clientwhen network printer configuration information has changed will bedescribed next.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are flowcharts illustrating the sequence of processingof the print control program 2400 in a client.

When electronic data is put in a hot folder, the monitoring unit 2402detects it in step S2701. This triggers off the following processing.

In step S2702, the output determination unit 2403 of the print controlprogram 2400 determines operation contents to be performed when thenetwork printer has become unable to execute print processing complyingwith attribute information described in the job ticket. Morespecifically, the output determination unit 2403 checks the radio button2508 in the selection area 2507 and determines whether the operationcontents input to the operation storage field 2606 of the hot foldermanagement table 2600 (FIG. 26) represent “directly transmit job”.

If the operation contents input to the operation storage field 2606represent “directly transmit job”, the process advances to step S2719.If the operation contents input to the operation storage field 2606represent processing other than “directly transmit job”, the processadvances to step S2703.

In step S2703, the output determination unit 2403 of the print controlprogram 2400 acquires the configuration information of the hot folderfrom the printer driver 306.

In step S2704, the hot folder management unit 2407 of the print controlprogram 2400 refers to the job ticket name storage field 2605 of the hotfolder management table 2600 (FIG. 26) and reads out attributeinformation described in the job ticket.

In step S2705, the output determination unit 2403 of the print controlprogram 2400 selects one of the set items of the readout attributeinformation. Processing for the selected set item is performed from thenon.

In step S2706, the output determination unit 2403 of the print controlprogram 2400 compares the network printer configuration informationreceived in step S2703 with the attribute information read out in stepS2705 in association with the selected set item. The outputdetermination unit 2403 thus determines whether the readout attributeinformation allows printing by the network printer.

If it is determined in step S2706 that the network printer can executeprint processing, the process advances to step S2707. In step S2707, theoutput determination unit 2403 of the print control program 2400determines whether all set items of the attribute information describedin the job ticket have undergone the investigation about the possibilityof printing. If it is determined in step S2707 that not all set itemshave been investigated, the process returns to step S2705 to investigatethe remaining set items. If it is determined that all set items havebeen investigated, the process advances to step S2719.

If it is determined in step S2706 that the network printer cannotexecute print processing, the process advances to step S2709.

In step S2709, the output determination unit 2403 of the print controlprogram 2400 determines operation contents to be performed when thenetwork printer has become unable to execute print processing complyingwith the attribute information described in the job ticket. Morespecifically, the output determination unit 2403 checks one of the radiobuttons 2509 to 2513 except the radio button 2508 in the selection area2507 and determines the operation contents stored in the operationstorage field 2606 of the hot folder management table 2600 (FIG. 26).

If, in step S2709, the output determination unit 2403 checks the radiobutton 2510 in the selection area 2507 and determines that “displayprinting attribute list” is input to the operation storage field 2606,the process advances to step S2718.

In step S2718, the display unit 2404 of the print control program 2400displays the attribute information list display window (FIG. 10). Indisplaying the attribute information list display window (FIG. 10), itmay be checked whether all set items of the attribute informationdescribed in the job ticket allow print processing by the networkprinter, and set items that do not allow print processing may bedisplayed.

If, in step S2709, the output determination unit 2403 checks the radiobutton 2511 in the selection area 2507 and determines that“automatically change printing attribute” is input to the operationstorage field 2606, the process advances to step S2712.

In step S2712, the output determination unit 2403 changes the attributeinformation (set item 1001 and set value 1002) described in the jobticket set in the hot folder to attribute information which allows printprocessing by the network printer.

If, in step S2709, the output determination unit 2403 checks the radiobutton 2509 in the selection area 2507 and determines that “stop hotfolder” is input to the operation storage field 2606, the processadvances to step S2713.

In step S2713, the task tray icon display unit 2408 of the print controlprogram 2400 blinks the icon of the print control program 2400 displayedin the task tray icon of the operating system. To blink the task trayicon, a task tray icon shown in FIG. 28 and that shown in FIG. 29 arealternately displayed at a predetermined interval. This notifies theuser that the print processing of the electronic data put in the hotfolder has not been executed.

In step S2714, the output determination unit 2403 of the print controlprogram 2400 excludes the hot folder from the monitoring targets of themonitoring unit 2402 and changes the status storage field 2603 of thehot folder management table 2600 to “print disable”. The outputdetermination unit 2403 also stops the function of causing the outputunit 2405 to transmit the print job from the hot folder to the networkprinter.

In step S2715, the folder display change unit 2406 of the print controlprogram 2400 changes the icon display of the folder on the file systemof the operating system 302.

Changing the icon display of the hot folder on the file system of theoperating system can be implemented by, for example, placing a specialsetting file in the folder. However, the change method is not limited tothis. The icon display of the folder on the file system of the operatingsystem can be changed by any other method.

If, in step S2709, the output determination unit 2403 checks the radiobutton 2512 in the selection area 2507 and determines that “displayprinter list” is input to the operation storage field 2606, the processadvances to step S2716.

In step S2716, the output determination unit 2403 of the print controlprogram 2400 searches for a network printer capable of processing allset items of the attribute information described in the job ticket. Thesearch processing in step S2716 is the same as in FIG. 16, and adescription thereof will not be repeated.

In step S2717, the result of search processing in step S2716 isdisplayed as the network printer list display window (FIG. 11) thatdisplays network printers capable of printing.

If, in step S2709, the output determination unit 2403 checks the radiobutton 2513 in the selection area 2507 and determines that“automatically change printer” is input to the operation storage field2606, the process advances to step S2710.

In step S2710, the output determination unit 2403 of the print controlprogram 2400 searches for a network printer capable of processing allset items of the attribute information described in the job ticket.

In step S2711, the output determination unit 2403 of the print controlprogram 2400 selects one of the network printers capable of processingall set items of the attribute information and changes the hot foldertransmission destination to the selected network printer.

The selected network printer may be either the first network printerfound by the network printer search processing or a network printercapable of executing print processing earliest. The network printer canbe selected by any other method.

If no network printer capable of processing all set items of theattribute information is found at all by the search processing in stepS2710, the processing in steps S2713 to S2715 may be executed.Alternatively, the processing in step S2712 or S2718 may be executed.

In step S2708, the output determination unit 2403 of the print controlprogram 2400 determines based on the attribute information list displaywindow or network printer list display window whether the settings ofthe hot folder are changed, and an electronic data print startinstruction is input.

If it is determined in step S2708 that printing of the electronic datais canceled, the processing is ended.

If it is determined in step S2708 that an electronic data print startinstruction is input, the process advances to step S2719. In step S2719,the output unit 2405 of the print control program 2400 transmits theelectronic data and a print job complying with the attribute informationdescribed in the job ticket to the network printer.

As described above, in this embodiment, upon detecting that electronicdata is put in a hot folder, it is determined whether print processingcomplying with attribute information described in a job ticket set inthe hot folder is executable.

If it is determined that processing is not executable, the attributeinformation described in the job ticket is displayed to prompt the userto change it. This allows the user to recognize that no desired printingresult is obtained and change the attribute information described in thejob ticket.

If it is determined that processing is not executable, of the set itemsof the attribute information described in the job ticket, set itemswhich do not allow processing by the network printer are automaticallychanged to those which allow print processing by the network printer.This saves the user the trouble of changing the attribute information.

If it is determined that processing is not executable, network printerscapable of obtaining a normal printing result using the job ticket arelisted to allow the user to select a network printer as the transmissiondestination. This enables the user to recognize the network printerscapable of obtaining a desired printing result.

If it is determined that processing is not executable, the networkprinter of the transmission destination is automatically changed to anetwork printer capable of obtaining a normal printing result using thejob ticket. This saves the user the trouble of setting the networkprinter of the transmission destination.

It is consequently possible to minimize the operation load on the userin putting electronic data in a hot folder.

As is apparent from the above description, according to this embodiment,it is possible to change the settings of each hot folder withoutdeteriorating the operability for a user who uses a hot folder even whenthe configuration of an image forming apparatus has changed.

Other Embodiments

The present invention is also applicable to a system including aplurality of devices (e.g., host computer, interface device, reader, andprinter) or an apparatus (e.g., copying machine or facsimile apparatus)including a single device.

The object of the present invention is also achieved by supplying arecording medium which records software program codes for implementingthe functions of the above-described embodiments to the system orapparatus. In this case, the functions are implemented by causing thecomputer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to read out andexecute the program codes stored in the recording medium. In this case,the recording medium which records the program codes constitutes thepresent invention.

Examples of the recording medium usable to supply the program codes area Floppy® disk, hard disk, optical disk, magnetooptical disk, CD-ROM,CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, and ROM.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented notonly when the computer executes the readout program codes but also whenthe OS (Operating System) running on the computer partially or whollyexecutes actual processing based on the instructions of the programcodes.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are also implementedwhen the program codes read out from the recording medium are written inthe memory of a function expansion board inserted into the computer or afunction expansion unit connected to the computer. More specifically,after the program codes are written in the memory, the CPU of thefunction expansion board or function expansion unit partially or whollyexecutes actual processing based on the instructions of the programcodes, thereby implementing the functions of the embodiments.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2007-143790, filed on May 30, 2007, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. An information processing apparatus which is connected to an imageforming apparatus and transmits, to the image forming apparatus,electronic data via a hot folder which sets attribute informationdefining output processing to be executed by the image formingapparatus, comprising: a holding unit configured to hold, in associationwith the hot folder, information about an operation of the informationprocessing apparatus upon detecting a change in the processing contents;a detection unit configured to detect the change in processing contentsexecutable by the image forming apparatus, independently of the timingof putting electronic data in the hot folder; a determination unitconfigured to determine whether the image forming apparatus can executeoutput processing complying with the attribute information by comparingthe changed processing contents with the attribute information set inthe hot folder; and a control unit configured to control the operationof the information processing apparatus on the basis of the informationabout the operation held in association with the hot folder which setsthe attribute information determined by said determination unit not toallow the execution; wherein the control unit changes an icon display ofthe hot folder based on the result of the determination which isperformed by the determination unit when the detection unit detects thechange; and wherein when processing of changing the attributeinformation determined by said determination unit not to allow theexecution, to attribute information that allows execution by the imageforming apparatus with the changed processing contents, is set as theinformation about the operation of the information processing apparatus,said control unit controls to change the attribute information toattribute information that allows the execution upon determination bysaid determination unit.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinwhen processing of displaying the attribute information determined bysaid determination unit not to allow the execution is set as theinformation about the operation of the information processing apparatus,said control unit controls to display the attribute informationdetermined not to allow the execution upon determination by saiddetermination unit.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whenprocessing of stopping transmission of the electronic data via the hotfolder which sets the attribute information determined by saiddetermination unit not to allow the execution is set as the informationabout the operation of the information processing apparatus, saidcontrol unit controls to stop transmission of the electronic data viathe hot folder upon determination by said determination unit.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 3, wherein in controlling to stoptransmission of the electronic data via the hot folder, said controlunit changes an icon display of the hot folder.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein when processing of displaying anotherimage forming apparatus capable of executing output processing complyingwith the attribute information determined by said determination unit notto allow the execution is set as the information about the operation ofthe information processing apparatus, said control unit controls todisplay said other image forming apparatus upon determination by saiddetermination unit.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whenprocessing of changing a transmission destination of the electronic datavia the hot folder which sets the attribute information determined bysaid determination unit not to allow the execution to an image formingapparatus capable of executing output processing complying with theattribute information is set as the information about the operation ofthe information processing apparatus, said control unit controls tochange the transmission destination of the electronic data to the imageforming apparatus capable of the execution upon determination by saiddetermination unit.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a setting unit configured to set the hot folder, said settingunit being capable of setting the information about the operation of theinformation processing apparatus.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said determination unit performs the determination upondetection by said detection unit.
 9. An information processing method ofan information processing apparatus which is connected to an imageforming apparatus and transmits, to the image forming apparatus,electronic data via a hot folder which sets attribute informationdefining output processing to be executed by the image formingapparatus, comprising the steps of: holding, in association with the hotfolder, information about an operation of the information processingapparatus upon detecting a change in the processing contents; detectingthe change in processing contents executable by the image formingapparatus, independently of the timing of putting electronic data in thehot folder; determining whether the image forming apparatus can executeoutput processing complying with the attribute information by comparingthe changed processing contents with the attribute information set inthe hot folder; and controlling the operation of the informationprocessing apparatus on the basis of the information about the operationheld in association with the hot folder which sets the attributeinformation determined in the determining step not to allow theexecution, wherein the controlling step changes an icon display of thehot folder based on the result of the determination which is performedin the determining step when the detecting step detects the change, andwherein when processing of changing the attribute information determinedby said determination step not to allow the execution, to attributeinformation that allows execution by the image forming apparatus withthe changed processing contents, is set as the information about theoperation of the information processing apparatus, said control stepcontrols to change the attribute information to attribute informationthat allows the execution upon determination by said determination step.10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a controlprogram which causes a computer to execute an information processingmethod, the method comprising the steps of: holding, in association withthe hot folder, information about an operation of the informationprocessing apparatus upon detecting a change in the processing contents;detecting the change in processing contents executable by the imageforming apparatus, independently of the timing of putting electronicdata in the hot folder; determining whether the image forming apparatuscan execute output processing complying with the attribute informationby comparing the changed processing contents with the attributeinformation set in the hot folder; and controlling the operation of theinformation processing apparatus on the basis of the information aboutthe operation held in association with the hot folder which sets theattribute information determined in the determining step not to allowthe execution, wherein the controlling step changes an icon display ofthe hot folder based on the result of the determination which isperformed in the determining step when the detecting step detects thechange; and wherein when processing of changing the attributeinformation determined by said determination step not to allow theexecution, to attribute information that allows execution by the imageforming apparatus with the changed processing contents, is set as theinformation about the operation of the information processing apparatus,said control step controls to change the attribute information toattribute information that allows the execution upon determination bysaid determination step.